Language Consultants give good guidance

Moving to Denmark as a foreigner typically involves several challenges: finding a new job, housing, friends, and not least, learning a new language. At UCplus’ Language Centre in Silkeborg, they are aware of these challenges. Language Centre manager Sarah Smedemark explains, “Our language consultants have excellent relationships with the students, and if someone misses classes for any reason, we write to them saying, ‘we miss you in class.’ It’s important that they know and feel they are not just a number in a system, but that we see them as individuals, and we are eager to help them learn Danish, so they can find jobs and make friends.”

FVU: A good path to learning more Danish

Besides regular Danish courses, the Language Centre in Silkeborg also offers FVU Danish. This is education for adults wanting to improve their Danish skills, particularly those needing better competencies in the Danish language, reading, and writing.

Sorina and Alina, two students from Romania, attend a FVU class. Sorina is a housekeeping supervisor at Hotel Scandic in Silkeborg, and Alina is a cleaner in a small business. Both appreciate

the opportunity to take FVU Danish at UCplus, as their jobs do not offer many chances to practice Danish.

“It’s very important for me to attend the Language Centre because I want to improve my Danish,” Sorina explains. Alina adds, “I really enjoy the classes now. I feel that I am progressing here, and it makes me want to speak more.”

The Language Centre boosts confidence for Japanese Chihiro

In 2017, Japanese Chihiro travelled to Aarhus to study the Danish welfare system as part of her bachelor’s degree in global studies. There, she met her Danish husband. After some years in Japan, the couple decided to move back to Denmark. Chihiro started at UCplus Language Centre in August 2023 to improve her Danish. She aims to pursue a master’s degree in Denmark and wants to communicate better with her in-laws.

“I really enjoy the classes at UCplus’ Language Centre. The teachers are very kind and helpful, and I appreciate that we learn both the language and about Danish culture. I have made good friends in my Danish class, and everyone is very eager to become proficient Danish speakers. We practice a lot, and it gives me more confidence to speak with Danes,” says Chihiro.

About UCplus Language Centre Silkeborg

The Language Centre offers Danish language courses at all levels of the official Danish Education both at the centre in Dalgasgade, at local businesses, and online. This means you can participate in the Danish education whenever and wherever it suits you best.

The education is offered at three levels, and each level consists of six modules. You will be offered to start at the level that matches your years of schooling and qualifications.

The Study Exam is not offered.

If you want to start, call us on +45 3127 4540 or write an email to Language Centre Manager, Sarah Smedemark Johnsen: ssj@ucplus.dk

Danish lessons ensure safety and improve communication

In the middle of the West Jutland heath lies the company Troldtekt, known for its production of acoustic panels. Since the company’s first major factory was put into use in 1935, its location has been important; close to both raw materials and in an area with plenty of labour, and for many years, foreign labour has also contributed to Troldtekt’s growth.

“Having foreign employees is part of Troldtekt’s DNA. We have families who have been here for over 30 years, and today we have employees from many different countries, and it works really well for us. We have a genuine interest in each other, and everyone helps each other,” says production manager Kim Snebang.

All communication in the factory is in Danish, and since both quality and safety are of great importance, Troldtekt has prioritized language lessons for its foreign employees.

“All our employees must be able to communicate together. They must give precise handovers to each other, both for safety reasons but also when we need to optimize processes in production. But we also want our employees to become good at Danish so they can use the language when they are not at work.”

Work-Related Language and challenging tasks

Troldtekt’s foreign employees meet for Danish lessons every Thursday for 19 weeks in one of the company’s large meeting rooms. Their teacher, language consultant Chantal Nehme, who drives from UCplus Language Center in Ringkøbing, is pleased that Troldtekt, like several other companies in the area, chooses to hold Danish lessons at the workplace.

“There are many advantages to having Danish lessons at the workplace. It is, of course, time-efficient for the company, but it also provides a number of learning benefits. We can easily incorporate the employees’ work routines and see where they might need to expand their vocabulary or clarify some grammar.”

During the three hours they have together, the employees go through a wide range of language tasks. They practice their oral skills in discussions about relevant topics, and they become aware of linguistic details in more focused tasks. Last but not least, there is a focus on each of them strengthening their work-related language.

“I make sure that everyone, in turn, shows me around the parts of the factory where they work, and here they are responsible for telling me everything they do and why they do it. I ask questions along

the way, and it is an exercise that both shows them how much they know about their work and how much Danish they can speak. And it helps to motivate them to become even better.”

Relevant Topics Lead to Good Discussions

Syria, Romania, Bosnia, and Ukraine; Troldtekt’s foreign employees come from many different countries and diverse cultures. However, they share a common motivation to improve their Danish skills, and they are happy that Troldtekt provides them with the opportunity to do so at the company.

Oleksander from Ukraine has worked at Troldtekt for seven years. He says it has been many years since he last ‘sat at a school desk,’ and he feels that it is good to refresh things, and it motivates him to read more and participate in discussions.

Massoud came to Denmark from Syria nine years ago, and he finds that the course improves his Danish.

“Language is the key that opens all doors. I am glad that I do not need an interpreter, but that I can contact the bank and the doctor myself, and that I can talk to both my boss and my colleagues.”

Nikolai from Romania has lived in Denmark for 14 years. He did not attend language school, so he taught himself Danish, but it has not been entirely sufficient, and he is glad that he has been given the opportunity to learn more.

“I have children who go to school, so coming here helps me both at home and at work. I learn new words, and I can explain better during work meetings or when I need to hand over to a colleague.”

Almir from Bosnia received asylum in Denmark as a 16-year-old teenager in 1995, and in three years’ time he can celebrate his 30th anniversary at Troldtekt. Denmark and Troldtekt have truly become his new home – so much so that he wants to become a Danish citizen. To achieve this, he must first pass the PD3 language test before he can take the final citizenship test. He uses the lessons to improve both his written Danish and oral skills.

“It is good for me to refresh the grammar, and I like that the lessons are not superficial, but that we work with interesting themes and are challenged to talk about socially relevant topics. It is clear that it motivates us to think and express our opinions.”

Oleksander from Ukraine, Nikolai from Romania, Almir from Bosnia, and Massoud from Syria find that the Danish lessons help them every day – both at work, at home and in their spare time.

Help your international employees learn Danish

UCplus offers a range of flexible solutions for company Danish. Lessons can take place at the workplace, at the nearest language centre, or through online instruction.

UCplus handles all coordination and provides skilled instructors who conduct Danish lessons at the employees’ level.

It is possible to apply for lost earnings if the lessons are held during working hours. UCplus also helps with the application process.Read more here

Julia attended UCplus’ study café because she wanted to learn more Danish, and she experienced the café as a very open and safe place where everyone could come and ask questions. Private photo.

Study café creates space for extra learning

Julia came to Denmark from Belarus two years ago as an accompanying spouse. Her husband started an exciting job at an international company in Copenhagen, so they uprooted their lives and settled with their two daughters in Østerbro. Despite the fact that both Julia and her husband had a lot to deal with when they arrived, Julia was determined to learn Danish.

“I started learning Danish at UCplus after I had been here for three months. I wanted to be able to talk to the teachers and write messages to them and other parents. For me, it is important to understand the people I meet. And I want to become part of Danish society.”

Not only did Julia attend Danish lessons twice a week, but she also chose to use UCplus’s study café at the main Language Centre in Gyldenløvesgade in the heart of Copenhagen.

“I went to the study café because I wanted to learn more. I had all sorts of questions, for example, how I should write to the other parents that I wanted to invite my daughters’ friends for playdates. It was a great help to me, and I experienced the café as a very open and safe place where we could all come and ask questions.”

Passes PD3 in under two years and finds a job

Julia’s great effort to learn Danish led to good results. She completed the entire Official Danish Education Program and passed her PD3 exam in under two years, after which she

had time to look for a job. With her from Belarus, Julia has a Master’s in marketing, and she has always wanted to use the knowledge she has in a job in Denmark.

The job search process was a bit challenging, but Julia kept her head high, and she continued to do everything she could to practice her Danish.

“I read the news in Danish, and I watch Danish series. I speak Danish with the other parents at my daughters’ school and kindergarten, and at the table tennis club, where I can have fun playing while also using my Danish.”

Once again, Julia’s determination has paid off, and she has now gotten a job as a marketing coordinator at In Store Marketing Denmark.

The Official Danish Education helps you become proficient in Danish

UCplus offers the three official Danish language courses, which grant you access to official exams and a good start in Denmark. The education is offered at three levels, and each level consists of six modules. You will be offered to start at the level that matches the number of years of schooling you have and your qualifications.

Read more about the Danish education and sign up here

How quickly did you start learning Danish?

“After having spent twenty years in London, my husband, who is Danish, and I decided to relocate to Denmark. We unpacked our boxes in October 2023, and I knew I wanted to start learning Danish as soon as possible, because I want to work here, I want to understand the culture, and I want to be able to communicate with people.”

What led you to choose UCplus as your language centre?

“I was out walking one day, and we happened to walk past UCplus in Gyldenløvesgade, and so we just went in and inquired at the reception. They were really helpful, and it just felt right, so I started on Module 1 at the end of January.”

What is it like attending language lessons at an established language centre?

“I am really glad that I am attending classes at an established language school. There is a very friendly environment here, and the teachers are really good, and by coming to classes I get to talk a lot of Danish. In fact, our teacher really insists that we use every opportunity we have to speak Danish, so not only do we speak Danish to each other in class, but we continue in the breaks. And I can feel that even though we are all beginners, we can also learn from each other, and we are able to support and encourage each other. We come from different corners of the world; from Spain, Indonesia, the Netherlands and so on, but we are all in the same situation, and we are all doing our best.

I come to lessons twice a week, and right at the beginning I thought that it was going to be too much, and that I would not be able to manage, but the classes and everything is very well structured, and now I can see that things are going in the right direction.”

What advice would you give to other expats about learning Danish?

“I have met other expats who didn’t start learning Danish from day one, and they have regretted it, so I am very determined to stay focused and to prioritize it.

For me learning Danish is also an opportunity to get to know Danes. It takes courage not to be overly self-conscious when you go shopping and want to try speaking Danish, because you worry about your pronunciation… I have told myself that I must do it. And I insist on keeping on in Danish, even though many offer to speak English. I keep on going and I never lose hope, because learning a new language is actually a fantastic experience, because not only am I learning my fifth language, at the same time I am also learning so many things about Danish culture, and I really feel that I am expanding my horizon every day.”

The Official Danish Education helps you become proficient in Danish

UCplus offers the three official Danish language courses, which grant you access to official exams and a good start in Denmark. The education is offered at three levels, and each level consists of six modules. You will be offered to start at the level that matches the number of years of schooling you have and your qualifications.

Read more about the Danish education and sign up here

Valerie juggles studies in Human Nutrition at the University of Copenhagen, Danish language courses at UCplus, and an active scout life with The Danish Scouts on Holmen in Copenhagen.

Weekly lessons at UCplus Language Center

Valerie is passionate about nutrition and health, and she wants to contribute to solving global health problems. She also loves Denmark and was an exchange student at the University of Southern Denmark in 2023. She got a Danish boyfriend, which made her wish to continue her studies in Denmark even greater.

Now, she has moved from Maastricht to Copenhagen to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition.

Valerie juggles a number of things in her daily life. She not only follows lectures at the University of Copenhagen, she also wants to become proficient in Danish to make it easier for her to speak with her boyfriend and his family. So, she is happy that she can take the Danish language course for free, and she has chosen to attend classes at UCplus’ Language Center in Copenhagen.

“It’s fun to learn Danish here. There’s a very friendly atmosphere at the Language Center, and everyone in my class is very motivated to learn Danish. It’s good to be able to speak Danish for daily life, and it can give us more job opportunities if we want to stay here in Denmark.”

Scout life provides great experiences and improves language skills

Valerie has been active in the Dutch scouting movement for the last 11 years, where she also served as a scout leader for 3 years. She was very keen to continue as a scout leader in Denmark, so it didn’t take long before she became a member of a scout group at Holmen. Here, the scouts meet outdoors every Tuesday from 17.00 to 18.30. Together with the other leaders, she helps organize the activities the young scouts will try, which can range from cooking over an open fire to crime investigation games to canoeing.

Valerie’s university studies are conducted in English, so it is primarily during scouting that she gets the opportunity to practice the Danish she has learned at language school.

“At first, I was a bit nervous about speaking Danish, but the young scouts in my patrol are incredibly welcoming, and now I’m starting to feel more confident speaking Danish.”

The Official Danish Education helps you become proficient in Danish

UCplus offers the three official Danish language courses, which grant you access to official exams and a good start in Denmark. The education is offered at three levels, and each level consists of six modules. You will be offered to start at the level that matches the number of years of schooling you have and your qualifications.

Read more about the Danish education and sign up here

Danish lessons at the workplace are effective and increase employee satisfaction

At Alfa Laval, it’s a given that the company offers its foreign employees the opportunity to learn Danish. It’s Alfa Laval’s experience that when they learn the language, their everyday life becomes easier, both when communicating at work and especially when they are not at work and need to navigate through daily life, whether it’s everyday shopping or speaking with a doctor or the staff at, for example, their children’s daycare. The Danish lessons not only create a better understanding of the Danish society, but they also increase the employee’s attachment to the country.

HR Partner at Alfa Laval, Michael Dichow Lund, sees the Danish lessons as an important part of the employees’ well-being, and he experiences that the employees are very enthusiastic about being able to learn Danish at Alfa Laval.

“We receive very positive feedback on our offer of Danish lessons. Our foreign employees really want to learn Danish. They are committed to Alfa Laval and to Denmark. And they really appreciate that they can learn Danish during working hours. Many of them have families, and it makes their everyday life much easier that they can take lessons with us.”

Conversations that build confidence

The Danish lessons take place once a week for 3.5 hours, where the foreign employees gather in one of the company’s meeting rooms. Emphasis is placed on employees getting involved as much as possible, hence the lessons always start with oral activities, where employees discuss everyday topics, for example, what they did over the weekend. Language consultant Alice Yang Andersen points out that it’s important for the employees to spend plenty of time practicing with each other, as it gives them the confidence to try speaking Danish with other colleagues at the coffee machine, during lunch, or between meetings.

“We particularly focus on the employees’ oral skills. They need to learn to navigate Danish in informal situations, so we practice a lot of small talk,” Alice Yang Andersen explains.

After the oral warm-up, the lessons continue with carefully planned sections, where the employees go through a broad range of linguistic skills, so they also practice reading, listening, and writing in Danish.

“We continuously work on building the employees’ vocabulary, so they learn new words and phrases every week, while also getting exercises that activate what they’ve already learned. Because it’s through the repeated use of the language that they become confident in how to use it. They try different role-plays, which resemble authentic situations they might encounter, so the language they learn is always applicable.”

The employees also receive homework; often small writing tasks, listening exercises, or a short oral presentation, which needs to be prepared. This way, their language learning is maintained from session to session, giving them the opportunity to work independently with the language.

Networking at work and in leisure time

Cenk and Martin are two of the participants in the course. Cenk moved to Copenhagen with his wife and their two-year-old son from Turkey. Because he has come to Denmark with his family, he is very pleased that he can learn Danish during work hours:

“It makes it easier to manage everything when we can learn Danish here. My son attends nursery, where he is beginning to speak Danish, and I would very much like to understand him and be able to talk with the nursery staff and my colleagues.”

Martin moved to Denmark from France and has been learning Danish for six months. He is also enthusiastic about Alfa Laval’s offer:

“It’s good that we have lessons together because we speak more Danish, and we also create a good network with the others in the class. For me, it’s important that I learn Danish, because I want to be part of the society in Denmark. And I want to understand what I read, for example, official documents, and that sort of thing.”

Besides practicing his Danish when participating in the weekly lessons at Alfa Laval, Martin also uses his Danish in his leisure time when he plays badminton.

“I’m the only one who doesn’t speak Danish at the club, so it’s a good challenge for me to speak with the other players.”

Help your international employees learn Danish

UCplus offers a range of flexible solutions for company Danish. Lessons can take place at the workplace, at the nearest language center, or through online instruction.

UCplus handles all coordination and provides skilled instructors who conduct Danish lessons at the employees’ level.

It is possible to apply for lost earnings if the lessons are held during working hours. UCplus also helps with the application process.

Read more here

Or contact Language Center Manager, Mette Lherbier, at tel.: 22 70 42 26 or email: mel@ucplus.dk, if you want more information.